Arabic Historical Thought in the Classical Period

"In a work as deftly written as it is erudite, Khalidi explores the intellectual context of the development of the practice of history in the central lands of Islam between the seventh and 15th centuries. Khalidi includes substantial quotations from Arab historicans in each of these periods to exemplify their epistemological presuppositions. Such extensive quotations and the context provided for them afford the non-Arabist reader a quick introduction to the major historians in this tradition. Every reader will find, as well, solid reflections on such basic historiographical issues as the sources of history, the reliability of sacred and profane reports, and the purposes to which history is put. Few works offer such multiple rewards to students and scholars alike." Choice

"...[an]`uxtensively and carefully researched study..." Islamic Thought

"Tarif Khalidi admirably traces the development of Muslim historiography. ... Khalidi has written an elegant, concise, perceptive, and artistically narrated account of the morphology of a tradition in the making." Middle East Journal

"This is a wide-ranging, excellently written book on a subject of major importance, based on a formidable wealth of knowledge expertly distilled." David Morgan, University of London